A dead, rabid raccoon was brought home by a dog in Derry, and Animal Control is recommending close supervision of children and pets while outdoors.

On Oct. 15, Derry Animal Control received a report of a suspected rabid raccoon that had been discovered in the Drew Road area. The animal appeared to have been dead when a dog found it and brought it home.

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As a precaution, the dog owner contacted New Hampshire Fish and Game to have the raccoon examined for rabies. The State Public Health Lab confirmed that the animal did have the disease.

The pet owner was advised to seek a booster rabies shot for his dog as a precaution.

The Derry Animal Control Department is recommending the following precautions to protect yourself and your family:

-- Be sure pet vaccinations are up-to-date.-- Supervise children and your pets while they are outdoors, and go inside if wildlife wanders into the area.

Children should be reminded that wild animals should not be approached. The most common wild animals that may be infected with rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes and coyotes. Domestic mammals can also contract and carry rabies.

A daytime sighting of a wild animal is not an indicator of a diseased animal. Behaviors such as chasing pets or people, or other symptoms suggesting the animal is sick, are warning signs of rabies.

If you observe an animal exhibiting these signs, please contact Animal Control immediately.

If you are bitten by a dog, wild animal or stray, wash the site immediately with soap and warm water and seek medical attention. Seek help from your veterinarian for injured pets.